The names Fred Rouse, Nick Turnbull and DiMetrio Tyson may only be known to close family and friends but the trio also became the answer to a football trivia question.

Name the first players signed by the expansion Ottawa RedBlacks of the CFL.

General manager Marcel Desjardins confirmed the signings earlier this week as the franchise begins the process of assembling a pre-season roster.

“We recognize the historic significance of these signings and it’s an important first step for our franchise,” said Desjardins.

“These players will have an opportunity to make our roster once we get onto the field for camp in the spring.”

Rouse, a wide receiver who started in the 2006 Orange Bowl with the Florida Seminoles, is the only one of the three with previous CFL experience, albeit on the practice roster of the Calgary Stampeders in 2011 and 2012. He also played for the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League.

Turnbull is a defensive back/safety who played his collegiate football at Florida International. He has previous NFL experience with the Chicago Bears (1 game) and Atlanta Falcons (2 games).

Tyson is a former first-team all-star at defensive end out of Jacksonville State whose most recent professional experience was with the San Jose SaberCats of the Arena Football League.

The RedBlacks will now finalize preparations for the upcoming expansion draft on December 16 where they will select 24 players over three rounds.